Tumbled Tiles...Nature Walk

I just can't figure out what is happening in my stamping world.  Suddenly I am choosing things that are completely surprising me...buying fabric, the Easter Blossoms Stamp Set, sewing...and I even fell in love with the Nature Walk stamp set.  Driving down to Hartford for Regionals last weekend, I did my share of complaining about the stamp set the Stampin' Up! chose to use.  Really not my style and it would just sit in my closet.  Well...I've added a card to my class this afternoon that uses it, I did these tumbled tile coasters and stamped on some fabric.  Who knew?  This vintage look is really growing on me and I enjoy doing a few new techniques I've learned.  I wish there were more time in my week to stamp and create, going to work everyday is a bit rough!

How to:  Tumbled Travertine 4"x4" tiles (Home Depot...9 for $3.97)
Stamp line art image in Black Stazon Ink...I used Nature Walk stamp set
Color in with Poppin' Pastels...I layered a number of colors on and blended with my fingers.  I was looking for a pretty organic look.
Spray with Matte Protective Finish
Adhere felt or cork on the bottom to protect your furniture.

This makes a great craft fair item or gift...They are quick and easy! 
Happy Stamping!

Really? I Won?

About a month ago, five lovely ladies awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award all in one week!  At the same time, I got a call from Stampin' Up! letting me know that I won a free stamp set for participating in the Recruit Crew: Direct your Success!  I thought all that was pretty fabulous until Miss Carol from Connecticut contacted me about pruchasing her ticket to Regionals!  How excited was I!!  I'm sorry to say that over the last month, I have been a little off with posting and really busy with my kids so...to get down to business...
After receiving the Stylish Blogger Award, I must do the following:
1.  Thank the person who gave it to me and link back to them.
2. Share 8 things about myself.
3. Pass this award onto 8 other individuals that I have recently discovered and...
4.  Leave a comment on their blog so they can pass along the recognition.

A sincere Thank You to...Pat at sunnystampin.blogspot.com
Kris at krisisstampin.blogspot.com and Terry at TerryficCards.blogspot.com 
Davina at teadrinkingstamper.blogspot.com and Nicki at inkpaperstamp.blogspot.com

8 Things about Me:
1.  I have two pretty amazing kids, Kylee is 12 and Dakota will be 10 this week.
2. I've been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for a total of 7 years.
3. I love M&M's and Oreos!!!!!
4. Summer is my favorite time of year with Christmas being a close second (I love making gifts)
5.  I love to organize everything and everything.
6. Reading is my second favorite Amy Time thing to do.
7. My two current favorite Stampin' Up! things are Shimmer Paint and Dazzling Diamonds
8.  I would love to stamp full time and give up my day job...wouldn't you?

And 8 fantastic blogs to check out:
whispersinink.blogspot.com
stampinanne.blogspot.com
rubberroomramblings.com
badabingcrafting.blogspot.com
amandasevall.blogspot.com
thequeenscene.blogspot.com
dianagibbs.typepad.com
mommystampincreations.blogspot.com

Thanks, Everyone!  Happy Stamping!

I Just Couldn't Wait

I know this is not Stampin' Up! product but...I just couldn't wait any longer!  There was a rag wreath on one of the recent Stampin' Success magazines and at Regionals we learned how to make these adorable little yoyo's and I just had to get to work!  I got everything at my local craft store (and they were having a crazy sale on fabric) and spent less than $6!  Later this spring I will be painting my front door brown to match my shutters and I think this cute little wreath will look pretty good. 

Let me know what you think!

My Convention Penny Jar

What an amazing weekend it has been!  I went to my first Stampin' Up! event, Hartford Regionals!  I've started saving my pennies for Convention 2012.  Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll win the lottery soon and be able to go this year!  I just had so much fun with our Clearly Creative group and swapping with everyone.  There were so many good ideas that placing an order today was incredibly hard...I even ordered fabric!  Now if you know me, you'd be laughing right now.  Don't sew anything...buttons, hems, tears...nothing!  If it can't be hot glued, it goes to my mom.  But those fabric yoyos were just too cute to pass up.  I'm pretty sure I can handle that running stitch thing.  Watch next week's posts for my attempt with a needle and thread!

There were about 500 people there, but in true Stampin' Up! fashion, the day was personal and amazing for each and every one there.  I felt like they were talking to me, that I really could make a difference, my business can be successful!  Thank you Stampin' Up! for the confidence and inspiration you provide!!

Some of our group went down the night before and brought a few projects.  So much fun to start stamping early!  My project was the scrap paper holder that's been so popular.  My sister requested I make her one so hopefully she likes this one (we have the same first initial so if she doesn't, it won't go to waste:-).  Pam brought  one of the Garden Giggle bags from Gretchen Barron and Linda had adorable gift enclosure cards with a little box to carry them in. I just need to add a couple of sentiments and tie on a bit of ribbon.  Pam also brought all of us these really cute notebooks.  Check out that butterfly, cut with the Big Shot from a V-8 can...  So...enjoy and look for some new and some retro ideas coming this week!
Happy Stamping!
Amy

Springtime Smiles

The weather's getting warmer and the snow is melting...can it get any better than that?  Well, if this silly cold would go away, that might make it a bit better.   I got two new stamp sets in my latest order...Eat Chocolate and Easter Blossoms.  Now Eat Chocolate, I have lots of plans and ideas for.  Easter Blossoms is not my usual style at all and I'm not sure why I was so drawn to it.  I was really excited to start on my swaps for Stampin' Up!'s Hartford Regional and to use one of my favorite colors, Rich Razzleberry.  I new I wanted to rustic feel of Crumb Cake but also wanted to add a little shine for spring.  I added some Dazzling Diamond to clear embossing powder and the little girl came out as sweet as can be.  Let me know what you think!  I love reading your comments.

A+ Stamping Solutions Blog News:  I've been asked about two things a lot lately...What's that tool for? and How does My Digital Studio work?  So...I'm going to try doing a MDS Monday Post and a Tuesday's Tool Post each week.  Please let me know if there are specific tools you have questions about.  I'm happy to help!  Remember to bookmark Stampin' Up!'s MDS blog... mydigitalstudio.net.

Happy Stamping!

Have a hunny of a day!

Just buzzin' by to brighten your day!  This is absolutly my favorite set in the whole catalog.  I never get tired of coloring and decorating with those adorable little bee's!  More Mustard, Always Artichoke and Rich Razzleberry take center stage in this simple card.  Although I usually add bits of ribbon, buttons and brads, this card didn't need them.  The bee's are attached with dimensionals and just stand off the card enough. 

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week.  The warmer weather is a welcome change here in NH!  I don't even mind the rain. 
Happy Stamping,
Amy
amywest.stampinup.net

Choo Choo...Chocolate and baby sweets!

I've been working on this for a couple of weeks and finally finished tonight!  I am so excited to give it to our art teacher at school who is expecting in May.  I know, I'm a bit early, but I just can't wait!  I know that some people are making these trains using the box die cut with the Big Shot.  This one needed to be a bit bigger so I just created as I went.  The chocolates were a must, but wrapped in a bit of Sunny Garden and Play Date Designer Series paper, they look even more delicious!  I would like to continue working on the engine part but it's just got me stumped.  I'll have to surf around the web and see what I can find, but for now, enjoy!

A few punches, a paper cutter and a bunch of scrap paper was all it took!  Contact me today to place your order...still time to snag some Sale-a-Bration goodies, too!  amywest.stampinup.net